RAF Brize Norton welcomes blind veterans

RAF Brize Norton welcomed a group of veterans, staff and volunteers for a tour of the air base and to present them with £700 which had been raised for our charity.

Three blind veterans, three volunteers and three members of our staff were invited to attend the base on 13 September where they were hosted by Rob, an RAF medic in the RAF Reserves and a supporter of our veterans.

The group were treated to a tour of Rob’s squadron where they were able to see two mock up helicopters as well as touch and feel medical prosthetics. They then moved out onto the airfield to visit the aircraft. Rob says:

“It was important to me that I provided opportunities for the group to touch, feel and hear the equipment on the base. I wanted the visit to be as tactile and sensory as possible.

“I was previously based at RAF Valley and, during my time there, I met a group of blind veterans who came for a visit. I was inspired by their stories and hearing how they are supported by Blind Veterans UK."

Sian, from our Community Partnerships Team, says:

“The support we receive from serving members of the military is incredibly special to us and our veterans. I want to say a huge thank you to the personnel at RAF Brize Norton especially Rob for taking the time to welcome Blind Veterans UK to the base and for choosing to support us with your fundraising.”